Manchester United formation tweak could be more important than any January signing

It’s a new year and the opportunity for Manchester United to move on from the same old that has cost them so many times already this season.

The weekend defeat to Nottingham Forest was another painful reminder of the huge issues that have been at play this campaign and a timely one too, with the January transfer window opening today.

United will be hoping to turn a leaf at the earliest stage possible and supporters will no doubt be excited by the prospect of adding more players to their squad this month.

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It is easier said than done, though. Selling will take priority over buying this month and United’s recent transfer track record is enough to suggest that throwing more money at the situation is not a guaranteed formula for success.

Erik ten Hag believes the biggest boost for United this month will come in the form of those returning from injury, with Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, Casemiro, Mason Mount and Tyrell Malacia all expected to be available in the coming weeks.

United’s injury issues have certainly been a contributing factor to their struggles so far this season, though they have not always been relevant and are sometimes used as a convenient excuse to overlook harder home truths.

There will be even more pressure on Ten Hag once he has a fully fit squad to choose from and far less room for error on his part without such a caveat to their continued struggles.

United not only need their best players back and available regularly to build momentum, but they also need to adjust the way they play if they are to have any hopes of salvaging the season.

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